Reid says Dems will block trade bill

[babylonsister]

http://thehill.com/policy/finance/241007-reid-threatens-to-hold-up-trade-bill-over-highway-surveillance-bills

Reid says Dems will block trade bill
By Peter Schroeder - 05/04/15 06:05 PM EDT


Democrats will block “fast track” trade legislation until the Senate first passes bills addressing infrastructure and surveillance programs, according to Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

Reid told The Huffington Post Monday that he will not “lay over and play dead” on controversial trade legislation, and instead will push for the Senate to pass his preferred bills on the two matters. And if Republicans balk, he is confident Democrats will unite to halt the trade bill — which also happens to be a top priority of President Obama.

“We have two very complicated issues that I think should have strong consideration before we even deal with trade,” he said. “I'm not willing to lay over and play dead on trade.”

The trade bill in question would grant “fast track” authority to the White House for negotiating trade bills. Under the bill, Congress would not be allowed to amend trade deals negotiated by presidential administrations, only to vote on the final agreement.

Liberal Democrats and labor unions are working fiercely to kill the bill, which the White House says is critical to finalize the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a massive trade deal with a host of other nations.

[NCjack]

1. DEMs should play ball GOP-style: No trade bill to be considered until

at home problems are adequately addressed, including:
-- Single-payer health care.
-- Social Security and Medicare are guaranteed and fully-funded.
-- Everyone who works gets a living wage.
-- Taxes are increased on 1%.
-- Money in overseas banks is brought home and taxes.